More than 400 proteins associated with either healthy or mutant CFTR genes may predict variability in symptoms and treatment responses among patients with cystic fibrosis, according to findings published in Molecular Systems Biology. Igor Stagljar, PhD, and colleagues used the application of a high-throughput screening variant to identify the protein-protein interactions of wild-type and mutant (F508del) CFTR. When examined in combination with functional validation across multiple disease models, they identified candidate proteins with potential roles in CFTR function and cystic fibrosis pathophysiology, including Fibrinogenlike 2, which had a significant impact on CFTR functional expression. “With a more comprehensive view of the CFTR protein interaction network, we can identify novel drug targets that should enable more patient-specific therapies,” Dr. Stagljar said in a news release.

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